Porter named Cricket Writers’ Club County Championship Player of the Year, with Lawrence winning Young Cricketer of the Year

Dan Lawrence of Essex has been named Cricket Writers' Club Young Player of the Year (pic: Steve Paston/PA)

Two former Redbridge schoolboys have been honoured for their stellar seasons with County Championship Divison One winners Essex at the Cricket Writers’ Club (CWC) awards.

Jamie Porter, who attended Oaks Park, was named CWC County Championship Player of the Year, while former Trinity Catholic pupil Dan Lawrence picked up the CWC Young Cricketer of the Year prizes.

The awards round out a fine week for the duo, who were both named in the England Lions squad for their winter tour to Australia.

Porter, a lively pace bowler, took an impressive 75 wickets at a miserly average of under 17 apiece as Essex took the title in an unbeaten season.

“I am really pleased to have been chosen for the award by the cricket writers after a remarkable season,” said the 24-year-old.

“It may shock some people, but at the start of the campaign a number of lads in the dressing room said we can win this and to our credit we have played some great cricket.

“I have huge respect for Chris Silverwood, who has done a remarkable job as Essex coach.

“I am obviously pleased with my season and the wickets I have taken. I have been able to learn from bowlers like David Masters, who has now retired.

“We now have a fine crop of young players and the future is bright.”

Lawrence, meanwhile, topped a ballot of more than 300 CWC members after scoring 761 runs at an average of nearly 45, including three hundreds and three half-centuries.

The 20-year-old is the first Essex player to win the award since team-mate Ravi Bopara in 2008 and the sixth in all after the late Brian Taylor (1956), Neil Foster (1983), Nasser Hussain (1989) and Alastair Cook (2005).

Lawrence said: “What a season it has been. I am pleased to have played my part in this wonderful triumph.

“As a young player it is great to learn from the likes of Alastair Cook and to have him in our side during the season has been a huge boost.

“There is no reason why we cannot progress from here and be a force again in future years.

“The coaching staff have been incredible with their support and motivation for the side.

“I am thrilled to have won the award to cap off a season to remember.”